America First Credit Union Opens New Branch in West Valley City

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

America First Credit Union Opens New Branch in West Valley City
Utah’s largest credit union opens new branch on Monday, April 29

Riverdale, Utah – (April 26, 2019) – Next week, Utah’s largest credit union, America First Credit Union, will open their newest branch in West Valley City, Utah. The West Valley branch located at 3253 West 3500 South, West Valley City, Utah 84120, was relocated in order to provide its members with an upgraded experience. The new branch will open their doors on Monday, April 29, 2019.

The new West Valley branch will hold an extended grand opening from Monday, April 29 through Saturday, June 1. Each day throughout April 29th – May 11th, America First Credit Union will be giving away a $50 Visa gift card. Members can enter the drawing once per day by stopping into the branch during the two-week period. Additionally, members can also enter a weekly drawing lasting through June 1. The gift basket is valued at more than $100 and includes an America First blanket, a $50 Megaplex gift card and a $50 dinner gift card. There will also be a kids weekly drawing that includes an America First branded piggy bank and a $25 America First Credit Union certificate towards a new youth account.

Ronise Skraznas will serve as service center manager of the new West Valley location. Ronise began her career with America First Credit Union 23 years ago as a teller and quickly moved up the ranks, managing several branches across Utah. Ronise serves on the Woman in Business Board for ChamberWest and graduated from the Leadership Institute program in 2018.

The West Valley branch is located 3253 West 3500 South, West Valley City, Utah 84120. Branch hours are 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For additional information on America First Credit Union and to view the scholarship application, visit www.americafirst.com, or follow America First on FacebookInstagramTwitter and Pinterest.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $10.6 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,013,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

America First Charitable Foundation to Provide 80 Scholarships in Celebration of 80th Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

America First Charitable Foundation to Provide 80 Scholarships in Celebration of 80th Year
Scholarship applications are now open through May 31, 2019

Riverdale, Utah – (April 23, 2019) – Proudly serving members and communities for 80 years, the America First Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce they are providing 80 $1,000 scholarships to members. America First Credit Union has a strong emphasis on education and financial literacy, and the America First Charitable Foundation is looking for candidates who embody the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.”

In order to be eligible, members must be graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students currently enrolled in a two-year, four-year or technical college or university, and have a passion for serving and helping others. Scholarships will be awarded based on a student’s commitment to community service, as well as leadership and academic potential.

Scholarship submissions are due by May 31, 2019, and recipients will be notified by June 28, 2019. Applicants are required to submit their hours of community service, grade point average and current transcript. They must also submit a short essay on how their community service exemplifies the credit union philosophy of people helping people. A selection committee consisting of America First employees and representing a diverse business, education and community background will evaluate the applications and select the recipients.

For additional information on America First Credit Union and to view the scholarship application, visit www.americafirst.com, or follow America First on FacebookInstagramTwitter and Pinterest.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $10.6 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,013,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

America First Credit Union Elects New Board of Directors at 80th Annual Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

America First Credit Union Elects New Board of Directors at 80th Annual Meeting

Riverdale, Utah – (April 19, 2019) – On Tuesday, April 16, America First Credit Union held their 80th annual meeting. Members heard from James Wendler, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and John Lund, President and CEO of America First Credit Union, as they gained insight on the financial state of the organization.

The following individuals were elected to the America First Credit Union Board of Directors.

• Kenlon Reeve
• Barney Chapman
• Mike Roden

The newly elected Board Officers include:

Chair: Linda Carver
Vice Chair: Kenlon Reeve
Secretary: John Spease

The newly appointed Chair of the Board of Directors, Linda Carver, served America First Credit Union in the same capacity from 2011 – 2014 and most recently held the role of Vice Chair from 2015 until Tuesday when she was re-elected as Chair of the Board of Directors.

For additional information on America First Credit Union, visit www.americafirst.com, or follow America First on FacebookInstagramTwitter and Pinterest.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $10.6 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,013,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

online statements

Easy, Earth-Friendly, Free: Online Statements

Most financial institutions, including America First, offer online statements. After all, paper versions fill your mailbox, clutter the counters and end up in the landfill.

To recognize Earth Day, considering cancelling your paper statements. With the online version, there’s no waiting for the mail—your information is available anytime, anywhere just by logging in to a secure account. Plus, online statements don’t get lost or delivered to the wrong address, and they guard against identity theft.

If instant access and added security weren’t enough, going paperless is also an environmentally conscious decision. Reducing unnecessary paper waste helps diminish the number of trees that need to be cut down annually. If everyone at all financial institutions got their statements exclusively online, we could help ensure our beautiful forests will be around for years to come.

America First makes switching easy:

  • Log in to online banking
  • Click the Other Services tab
  • Select Statement Preferences
  • Follow the brief instructions

Go paperless—it’s for your convenience, protection and better for your planet.

America First Credit Union to Elect Board of Directors at Annual Meeting

For Immediate Release:

America First Credit Union to Elect Board of Directors at Annual Meeting
80th annual event to be to be held at the David Eccles Conference Center on April 16

Riverdale, Utah – (April 9, 2019) – America First Credit Union will hold its 80th annual meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 inside the David Eccles Conference Center. The meeting provides America First Credit Union members an opportunity to hear and gain insight on the financial state of the organization. Members will hear from the President and Chairman of the Board and have the ability to elect volunteers to serve on the Board of Directors. These dedicated and qualified individuals share their time, talents and efforts without compensation, making them part of America First’s unique cooperative, not-for-profit structure.

Members who cannot attend, in addition to those in attendance, are invited to follow America First on Twitter @AmericaFirst for a live stream of the annual meeting. During this stream, viewers are encouraged to ask questions and virtually participate in the event. This live-tweet format provides an additional opportunity for members to engage in the conversation.

For more information, visit www.americafirst.com. Find America First Credit Union on Facebook and Twitter or follow @AmericaFirst on Instagram and Pinterest.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the 10th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $10.6 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,013,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Founding Principles of Integrity Lead to a Legacy of Strength

John LundBy John B. Lund, President & Chief Executive Officer

Dear members,

I am honored to report on behalf of America First Credit Union and express my appreciation for your membership and support. This year, we celebrate our 80th anniversary—Fort Douglas Civilian Employees Credit Union was founded on March 16, 1939. Although our origins are humble, the 59 members who formed this cooperative had one simple yet powerful objective: helping each other improve their collective and individual financial well-being. Building on this same focus and passion, America First now stands as one of the strongest and most well-respected credit unions in the country.

The past 12 months have produced outstanding results. Although we are a national top-10 credit union and have a significant presence, we endeavor each day to provide relevant, affordable products in a convenient, professional and personal manner. In 2018, Forbes ranked America First #1 in their Best-In-State credit union review; I humbly agree.

We have three pillars guiding our operation to ensure long-term health and vitality:

  • Lifetime relationships with members.
  • Strategic and balanced growth.
  • Financial strength and integrity.

LIFETIME RELATIONSHIPS

Our loyalty, retention and utilization numbers are among the industry’s highest. America First’s Net Promoter Score—a benchmark for evaluating service quality—stood at 81.9 at year’s end, a mark achieved only by the best of the best.

To establish lasting connections, we develop services, tools and information geared to benefit members throughout life’s many stages. We have youth and student accounts designed to increase financial literacy and promote responsibility. We deliver free checking, free debit cards, and free 24/7 account access through mobile and online banking, as well as at thousands of ATMs. With Visa® from America First, you’ll earn cash back, rewards, merchant-paid discounts and additional cash rebates.

No-cost financial counseling is available to those seeking a helping hand with budgeting, planning, or setting a new economic course. Members can review their credit scores for free, while our branches host free educational seminars and document shredding services, among other events.

America First proudly provides a diverse array of lending products, including Visa credit cards, lines of credit, mortgages and home equity loans, auto & RV financing and personal loans, as well as Small Business Administration and commercial loans. In addition, we provide investments, trust services, insurance, and a full complement of savings vehicles, including money market, certificate, retirement and health savings accounts.

To combat the prevalence of data breaches and fraud, we offer members and their families identity theft recovery and monitoring services. This is tremendous coverage that extends beyond America First accounts. All that is required for this protection is to hold a Visa credit card from America First. Similarly, free Card Guard® mobile security allows real-time control of when, where and how your Visa is used.

We maintain a large branch network throughout Utah, Nevada, Arizona and Idaho. Additional locations are planned this year. Credit union access and communication is provided via our robust website, free telephone banking, toll-free contact centers, secure email, and live chat. We foster informative, engaging social and digital media dialogue.

Our premier mobile and electronic services are nationally recognized for technology, simplicity and functionality. Products include mobile deposit, mobile & online bill pay, Apple, Android and Samsung Pay, person-to-person payments, and more.

GROWING IN A BALANCED, STRATEGIC MANNER

At America First, we do not seek to grow for the sake of growth. Expanding opportunity strategically and carefully gives us the ability to adapt products, services, security measures and other offerings to changing needs. Balanced growth further reduces risk, sustains appropriate capital levels, and promotes ongoing success.

A few highlights for 2018 are:

  • Utah’s #1 credit union
  • The country’s 9th largest credit union with assets exceeding $10 billion
  • The nation’s 6th most substantial with over one million members and the 8th largest in terms of deposits
  • Leading business, mortgage & credit card provider
  • The region’s #1 auto lender
  • Successfully merged with Altier Credit Union of Arizona
  • Five new branch locations opened
  • New departments established to enhance service and security

ENSURING FINANCIAL STRENGTH AND INTEGRITY

America First is fiscally sound and independently rated as one of the country’s most secure credit unions. We closed the year with $1.114 billion in net worth and a net worth ratio of 11.08%. Our federal regulator, the National Credit Union Administration, considers a net worth ratio of 7% to be well-capitalized. Last year, we received positive results from our annual regulatory and external audit examinations.

Net income for 2018 totaled $119.3 million. Assets were up by 11.65%, closing at $10.3 billion. Return on assets was a strong 1.20%. Membership grew at a healthy 10.63%, while deposits increased $989.5 million or 12.24%. Loans increased at a rate of 21.08%, finishing the year at $8.4 billion. Loan delinquency increased slightly to 1.16%. Our allowance for loan and lease loss is more than adequate to absorb any portfolio deficiencies.

This commitment to integrity extends beyond our role as a financial institution. We believe in the importance of good corporate citizenship and enhancing the communities we share. America First works to improve our schools, provide for the less fortunate, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Such programs include food drives, our Warm the Soles campaign, the Souper Bowl of Caring, the 100% For Kids Credit Union Education Foundation, the credit union’s own charitable foundation, scholarships, and many other worthy causes. Further, our team donates considerable hours of personal time to service outreach.

My deepest gratitude is extended to the volunteers and staff, who are passionate about serving the membership, whether directly or indirectly. Our commitment to the uppermost standards of ethics and integrity, forward-thinking strategies, prudent financial management, and excellence in service has endured the test of time and the inevitability of changing economic cycles. It’s therefore a pleasure to state that our credit union is strong, vibrant and well-positioned for the future. Finally, I express my utmost appreciation to you as valued members. We pledge our best efforts to maintain your trust and establish a lifelong relationship.

federal holidays

A Brief Explanation of Federal Holidays

Federal holidays have been around since 1870, but back then they only applied to government employees in the District of Colombia. As time went on, these officially recognized calendar holidays have broadened to honor icons & aspects of American heritage that have shaped us as a nation. On these holidays, all non-essential federal government offices are closed. Also closed are federally chartered financial institutions, including credit unions and banks. This is because many, like America First, depend on national agencies to process specific transactions.

There are currently 10 federal holidays:

  • New Year’s Day (January 1)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (third Monday in January)
  • Presidents’ Day (third Monday in February)
  • Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
  • Independence Day (July 4)
  • Labor Day (first Monday in September)
  • Columbus Day (second Monday in October)
  • Veterans’ Day (November 11)
  • Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)

If it falls on a weekend, the holiday will usually be observed on the closest weekday. Credit unions also close for official state holidays. In Utah, for example, America First offices close for Pioneer Day (July 24), while our Nevada locations will be closed on Nevada Day (last Friday in October) and Family Day (the day after Thanksgiving).

Although you’ll find our branches unavailable on federal holidays, we’re open to serve you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year with online and mobile banking, as well as at thousands of ATMs nationwide.

America First Credit Union Celebrates 80 Years of Serving Members

For Immediate Release:

America First Credit Union Celebrates 80 Years of Serving Members
Credit Union asks members to share their thoughts and pictures on Friday, March 15, 2019

Riverdale, Utah – (Thursday, March 14, 2019) – With a long-standing history of 80 years, America First Credit Union is inviting members to participate in their Member Appreciation Day on Friday, March 15.

Using the #AFCU80years hashtag, America First Credit Union is asking members to celebrate with them by sharing on their social media platforms. Post a picture, share a story or let America First know how long you have been a member. America First will also be providing cookies at all branches on Friday to celebrate with members.

“As the primary financial partner to more than one million members, we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with them,” said John Lund, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “For 80 years our members have trusted us as their financial institution and we will to continue to serve our members with the upmost admiration for the years to come.”

America First Credit Union was founded on March 16, 1939 at the Hotel Newhouse in Salt Lake City, Utah. At that time, a Prince Albert tobacco can was used to hold all cash deposits, which totaled $788 in total assets and 79 members. For eight decades, America First Credit Union has remained dedicated to creating lifetime memberships with those served.

For more information, visit www.americafirst.com. Find America First Credit Union on Facebook and Twitter or follow @AmericaFirst on Instagram and Pinterest.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the 10th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $10.3 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,000,000 members.

Media Contact:

America First Credit Union
Nicole Cypers
ncypers@americafirst.com

Quillin Advertising, Public Relations & Social Media
Julian Lupo
D: 702-818-1637
julianl@quillinlv.com

romance

Don’t Get Fooled by Romance Scams

Falling in love can make you feel as though you’re walking on air, but if a budding relationship is exclusively online, it’s important to keep your feet on the ground. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a romance scam victim.

  • You may be charming and attractive, but scammers will try grooming you by flattering your ego. Be suspicious if things progress too quickly without meeting each other in person.
  • Watch out if your new friend starts making financial requests. He or she may play with your heartstrings and say there are medical expenses to pay or ask you for travel expenses for a date. Don’t do it.
  • Never send cash, cashier’s checks, gift cards or wired funds to unverified individuals. It’s almost impossible to get that money back.
  • Resist the temptation to send expensive gifts to your virtual boyfriend or girlfriend. Save that for when and if you meet in person. Even then, don’t spend more than you can afford.
  • Private information, such as your account number or PIN isn’t to be shared with anyone but joint account owners.
  • Don’t provide your address, credit card numbers or Social Security number to someone you’re talking to on a dating site or in a chat room.
  • Resist any effort to connect to your account to an online friend’s, even if they claim they’ll only make deposits.

In short, a healthy amount of skepticism can keep you safe whenever you start seeing—or chatting with—a new love interest.

LendKey Reaches $2.6 Billion Loan Milestone, Expands its Partner Network with America First Credit Union

New York, February 6, 2019 — LendKey, the leading lending-as-a-service platform, announced that it has originated a total of more than $2.6 billion in loans on behalf of its financial institution partners as of the end of 2018. LendKey’s turnkey solution provides banks and credit unions with a state-of-the-art platform to offer digital loans.

“Reaching the $2.6 billion milestone is a testament to LendKey’s position as a trusted partner for financial institutions to expand their digital lending offerings and grow revenue and their asset portfolios,” said Vince Passione, CEO and Founder of LendKey.

Highlights for 2018 included record loan origination volume for LendKey’s lending partners, a 26% increase in revenue, and the opening of a new state-of-the-art office in Cincinnati to support the planned expansion of new partner lenders in 2019 and beyond.

LendKey also announced that America First Credit Union, one of the nation’s largest credit unions serving over 1,000,000 members, has become the newest addition to its roster of lending partners, one of 18 new lenders who started using the LendKey platform last year.

“Our partnership with LendKey is a testament to our commitment to provide our members with a seamless digital borrowing experience and the loans they need,” said Rich Syme, Executive Vice President of America First Credit Union. “We value this new partnership and look forward to expanding our portfolio with a recognized industry leader in digital lending solutions.”

The strong demand for consumer lending has led banks and credit unions to deliver relevant product offerings through a robust online borrowing experience expected by today’s digital-first consumers.

About LendKey:

LendKey pioneered the lending-as-a-service model enabling white-labeled, digital lending solutions that help financial institutions establish a strong digital lending presence and acquire prime borrowers for a lifetime of lending. Customized solutions help manage liquidity, reduce costs, and mitigate risk. Visit lendkey.com/lend or email pr@lendkey.com for more information.

About America First Credit Union

With a long-standing history and more than 80 years servicing members, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the 10th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $10.3 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,000,000 members.